16 ranking in the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 Poll, giving the program a top 20 national ranking as it prepares to launch the 2026 season and pursue another trip to the FCS Playoffs. 25 final national ranking. 3 South Dakota State, No. 2, while South Dakota State, Illinois State and Tarleton State round out the top five. The Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll is voted on by a national panel of media members and is released weekly throughout the season.